Papers Published
Abstract:
This chapter defines the vulnerability of the developing nervous system to organophosphate pesticides, in terms of cognitive functions, social and sex-related behavioral patterns, and body weight regulation. Impaired neurobehavioral development of children has been significantly linked in epidemiological studies with exposure to pesticides. Environmental epidemiological studies are essential for identifying toxic risks, but like any single scientific approach they have limitations. Determining the cause-and-effect relationship beyond significant association is a challenge. Significant behavioral alterations are reported after short-term, low-dose exposure to a variety of organophosphates during development. Because these effects were observed at doses that do not significantly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, other mechanisms in addition to inhibition of this important enzyme should be considered. The aim of toxicology is to be a predictive science, to prevent toxic damage. Animal model studies can work in concert with epidemiological research to resolve many of these issues. With regard to organophosphate (OP) pesticide-induced developmental neurobehavioral toxicity, laboratory animal model studies have clearly demonstrated that the developing nervous system is quite vulnerable to detrimental effects of OP pesticides, even if exposure was short-term and at doses that did not cause much inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.